Asisat Oshoala: How the Super Falcons forward is cementing her place in Randy Waldrum’s World Cup team

Oshoala has been tremendous for Barcelona since she joined the club in 2019, and a lot of fans would expect her to translate her expertise to the Super Falcons 

Barcelona Femeni striker Asisat Oshoala would be one of the best players to grace the female World Cup later in July 2023.

The 28-year-old striker is perhaps the greatest female in Africa, and she serves as a beam of light to various girls in Nigeria.

The reason is not far-fetched. She has been consistently delivering for Barcelona Femeni. Oshoala has 21 goals across all competitions, the highest in Laliga femeni at the moment. she was also the highest goalscorer in the league last season.

With her big numbers, Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum would be banking on Oshoala’s expertise ahead of the Mundial in Australia/New Zealand.

However, he would have to do everything possible to bring out the best in the former Arsenal Women star.

Despite her superb form for her club, Oshoala has not done much for the Super Falcons recently.

She sustained an injury in Nigeria’s first game against South Africa at the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. But in that same game, she failed to perform. In fact, Atletico Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade had a better showing.

Her speed, flair, and strength are important ingredients to her game, but it hasn’t really been visible under American tactician Randy Waldrum.

There have even been some questions about her commitment to the Super Falcons because of her knack for missing friendly games and tournaments.

She was invited to the Super Falcons’ last invitational tournament, but she failed to show up. Even her compatriot Ajibade who plays for Atletico Madrid was available for all three games.

Her recent fracas with Onome Ebi for the captainship also has not done much for the team, as there are reports that the dressing room is unsettled.

For Oshoala to make an impact, she has to bring her head back into the game, back into the Super Falcons setup. That young hungry player that emerged as the best at the 2014 Under-20 World Cup has to resurface. She has to show her talent, she has to wear the white and green with guile and respect, and the will to prove that she deserves it.

If she makes the squad, it would be her third World Cup with Nigeria. She scored in her last two World Cup appearances and hopefully, she would extend her tally and perhaps, help Nigeria create good memories.